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Down 28% in 2025 With a 4.5% Yield, Is This High-Yield Dividend Stock Too Cheap to Ignore, and Worth Buying in 2026?
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-09 09:35
Core Viewpoint - Target is considered a value stock for passive income despite significant declines in stock performance, with a 27.7% drop in 2025 and a 61.7% decrease from its all-time high, but has shown a recovery of over 22% from its 52-week low [1] Group 1: Business Performance and Challenges - Target's business model relies on the shopping experience rather than competing on price with Walmart or Amazon, focusing on in-store experiences and exclusive partnerships [2] - Consumer spending is under pressure due to living costs outpacing wage growth, leading to a shift towards value retailers like Walmart and bulk buying at Sam's Club and Costco [3] - Target has struggled with inventory misalignment, resulting in price markdowns that hurt margins [5] - The company faced backlash over its Pride Month merchandise and subsequent rollbacks of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, leading to consumer boycotts [6] - Target is undergoing a leadership change with the COO taking over as CEO, replacing Brian Cornell [7] Group 2: Financial Outlook and Strategic Plans - Target's operating margin has improved to above 5%, indicating progress despite ongoing challenges [12] - The company forecasts adjusted fiscal 2025 earnings per share (EPS) between $7 to $8, with analyst estimates of $7.31 for fiscal 2026 and $7.68 for fiscal 2027, suggesting a low valuation at around $102 per share [14] - Target plans to enhance its supply chain, grow its rewards program, innovate products, and revive its brand image to drive growth [11] - The company offers a 4.5% dividend yield and has a history of raising dividends for 54 consecutive years, qualifying it as a Dividend King [16]